RM200m LPT1 flood mitigation project to be completed by Dec 2028 – road elevation, improved drainage

Aside from the RM2.1 billion Karak Highway and Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT) 1 widening project that we detailed yesterday, concessionaire AFA Prime Berhad (previously known as Anih Berhad) is also working on a LPT1 flood mitigation project.

If you remember, there was a massive flood at the LPT1 in early 2021 that completely cut off the east-west connection and took about a week to recede. Then, constant, daily rain led to the highway being inundated, weather that we’re currently experiencing now in Peninsular Malaysia. Already, many parts of Kelantan and Terengganu are under water, and experts are saying that this monsoon season could lead to the worst flooding in a decade.

Recognising the challenges posed by flooding along the LPT1, AFA’s RM200 million flood mitigation project is to ‘improve highway resilience during adverse weather’ and is expected to be completed in December 2028. The project focuses on minimising disruptions and ensuring safety for motorists. Like the Karak/LPT1 widening project, no public funds will be used for this.

The main strategy AFA is employing is to elevate the road in flood-prone stretches, to a level that is deemed safe. Road elevation will be paired with drainage system upgrades to manage larger water volumes effectively. Meanwhile culvert extensions and strengthening will improve water flow and structural integrity.

Aside from floods, constant rain also causes soil erosion and landslides, and the project will include slope and embankment stabilisation to prevent this, plus strategic vegetation management to improve water absorption and minimise runoff. AFA has identified the flood-prone stretches on the LPT1 – see the map above.

If you missed it, the Karak Highway and LPT1 widening project is a massive undertaking. AFA will add a lane on each side of the highway all the way from Gombak to Bentong, a challenging task when you consider the terrain involved. With four lanes a side from Gombak to Genting Sempah, it’s equivalent to a 25% capacity increase for each direction. There will also be a new tunnel at Genting Sempah – full details on the project here.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.